From June through July, the district served 5,440 free meals to children throughout the community. Open to all children ages 1-18, regardless of income or school enrollment, the federally funded Summer Food Service Program helps bridge the nutrition gap when school cafeterias are closed for the summer. No registration or paperwork was required, making it easy for families to participate.
This year, the program offered more than nutritious lunches. Families also had the opportunity to take home fresh vegetables grown at Durango School District's SOIL Outdoor Learning Lab, connecting students and families with fresh, locally grown produce.
One of the season's highlights was a fresh vegetable distribution led by the district's Nutrition Services team alongside Fort Lewis College intern Park Donnelly.
"We know that good nutrition helps children thrive, said Matt Poling, director of DSD Food & Nutrition Services. and we're proud to provide healthy meals that keep kids fueled all summer long,"
The district also extends its appreciation to the many Nutrition Services employees whose work behind the scenes made the program possible each day, from planning menus and preparing meals to serving families with a smile.
Building on this year's success, Durango School District is already planning for Summer 2027 and hopes to expand the number of meal sites to better serve families throughout the greater Durango community.
Families who participated in this year's program are encouraged to share their feedback by emailing [email protected]. Community input will help shape and strengthen next summer's program.
Thank you to everyone who helped make another successful summer of nourishing children, supporting families, and strengthening our community.
Pictured: Last week’s fresh vegetable distribution with our Fort Lewis College intern, Park Donnelly, left, and members of our DSD Nutrition Services team Cayla Young (middle) and Annie Scherer (right).
Learn more about the DSD Summer Food Program.